ducks and drakes

[ duhks uhn dreyks ]

noun

1. Also a pastime in which flat stones or shells are thrown across water so as to skip over the surface several times before sinking.

ducks and drakes

noun

1. a game in which a flat stone is bounced across the surface of water
2. make ducks and drakes of or play ducks and drakes with or play at ducks and drakes with
   to use recklessly; squander or waste

Word History and Origins

Origin of ducks and drakes¹

First recorded in 1575–85; from a fancied likeness to a waterfowl's movements

Idioms and Phrases

Idioms

1. play ducks and drakes with, to handle recklessly; squander: Also make ducks and drakes of.

   He played ducks and drakes with his fortune.